In the early 1980s, amidst a shift in country music towards pop-influenced sounds, a young George Strait emerged as a quiet force, leading a return to the genre’s traditional roots. Armed with a Stetson hat, a smooth baritone voice, and a talent for telling authentic stories, he released a pivotal track that would help define his career. This song was “If You’re Thinking You Want a Stranger (There’s One Coming Home),” released in 1982 as the second single from his sophomore album, Strait from the Heart.
Written by the talented duo of Jimmy Darrell and Wayne Carson, the song is a heartfelt plea delivered in the classic style of Texas country. It tells the story of a man who, after being physically and emotionally distant, is ready to come back to the love he almost lost. The lyrics, “If you’re thinking you want a stranger, there’s one coming home,” convey a powerful message of humility and hope, reflecting a universal desire to mend a broken relationship and start anew.
George Strait’s performance on the track is characteristically understated yet deeply sincere, allowing the powerful lyrics and melody to resonate with the listener. The song’s arrangement, featuring clean, twangy guitar, steel guitar, and a traditional shuffle rhythm, serves as a masterclass in simplicity and effective storytelling—hallmarks of what country music has always done best.
While not one of his biggest commercial successes, “If You’re Thinking You Want a Stranger” became a Top 5 hit and was instrumental in cementing Strait’s reputation as a torchbearer for traditional country. It laid the groundwork for a legendary career marked by consistency, integrity, and a profound respect for the genre’s heritage.
For longtime fans, the song is a nostalgic look back at Strait’s early days. For new listeners, it’s an ideal introduction to an artist who never needed gimmicks to make an impact—just a great voice, a good song, and the truth.